Verzbicas Makes Splash In Southwest Florida

Olivia Ortiz



Pro triathlete and 2016 Olympic hopeful Lukas Verzbicas graced southwest Florida with his presence this weekend. Verzbicas started his morning by winning he four mile New Balance Ringling Bridge Run road race in Sarasota and then hosted a meet and greet and discussion session in Englewood for runners of all ages.

Second Win After Crash Comes Easy For Pro-Triathlete Lukas Verzbicas - By Todd Grasley

This past Saturday, the Ann Dever Memorial Regional Park in Englewood was host to one of the most extraordinary athletes in the United States, pro triathlete, 2016 Olympic hopeful, and the definition of an inspiration, Lukas Verzbicas. Verzbicas started out the morning with the four mile New Balance Ringling Bridge Run road race in Sarasota. It marked only the second time he's run since a serious bike crash in Colorado six months ago in July. Verzbicas cruised to an easy win in 21:02. He said after the race that although it was a small meet, the win felt good. He will stay in Florida for the next several months and train at the National Training Center in Clermont along side other professional track athletes and tri-athletes. Danny Duncan, who created a meet and greet with Verzbicas later that afternoon was on hand and got some great photos and video of the race.

*Note: We are working on getting Lukas in our MileSplit Headquarters while he is in Florida for a one on one interview.



Verzbicas Huge Hit With Runners Of All Ages - By Olivia Ortiz

After his New Balance Ringling Bridge Run victory, in Sarasota earlier that morning, Lukas spent his afternoon telling his story, giving great advice, and answering many questions. It was a quiet and calm afternoon, as runners and parents listened intensely as to what many people would call a phenomenon speak passionately about the sport we all love. 
   
Lukas shared his story by explaining the day he got injured and all of the emotions going through his head at the time. Then he described his recovery process, and how determined and motivated he was to get back and train. It was truly inspiring to hear his thoughts about all that he had to go through during his recovery process. He described how his injury has made him mentally tough and feels thankful to be able to train and not to take it for granted. He shared a great wealth of advice that could help any athlete facing an injury or any individual facing a challenge for that matter.
   
 Lukas has proved everyone wrong and is now back in action winning races.  He is training for the Triathlon Olympic Trials for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. He stated how hard work always pays off in the end and how obstacles/injuries only make you a stronger athlete and individual. Also, how there is always a positive to every negative situation and, most importantly you should run for a purpose and always keep that purpose in mind. Lastly, how you should believe 100% in your training so, that when race day arrives you should not feel nervous at the starting line but only believe you are ready to perform and compete from the hard work you have put in. 
     
Overall, Lukas is an incredible role model and inspiration nationwide and we only wish him the very best as he continues to train to reach his dream of representing the USA in the Olympics. 
     
The event was made possible by the Danny Duncan, a former Lemon Bay runner, triathlete, and now an elite track club facilitator. Thank you Danny for providing others the opportunity to meet Lukas and organizing such a touching event! 

Here are Danny’s thoughts reflecting on Saturday afternoon:

What was it like organizing an event for runners in the area to meet and hear your friend, Lukas, speak?
 
“It was fun to bring Lukas to my hometown, I knew multiple people that wanted to meet him, I figured it would be great to have him speak and inspire some runners along with raise money for my track club. He really motivated my athletes and we have our first track meet next week!”
 
What made you ask Lukas to speak in Englewood? 
 
“I wanted to set up a fundraiser for my track team, along with having local runners meet him. Lukas is very inspirational and track season is right around the corner, I figured it may open some eyes and get our athletes to understand, anything is possible and to always follow your dreams. I feel Lukas did a great job with that, he inspired me and I am sure everyone else who attended. It's awesome to have an athlete at his level to donate his time the way he did!”
 
What were your overall thoughts on the event?

“The event was a success, we didn't want it to small or to big. I planned to have a good group of runners which was awesome. I believe we had around 40-50 people in total. We had some of the top runners in the state and nation in attendance, it was awesome to see the best come out and support a great event. I believe first hand experience is the best way to learn, so for me I like to talk to people who have already done what I plan to do. Runners aspiring to be like Lukas, I would tell them to talk to Lukas or people similar and receive tips/advice from them as much as possible.”
 
 Is there any advice you would like to give to runners?
 
“My advice for runners is to  find a great coach who knows what they're doing and one who truly believes in you and all of your goals and dreams. Then, set goals, work hard everyday, and do everything in your power to achieve what you have planned. Slacking off will lead to doubts and disappointment, make sure you're fully prepared for what you're getting into each day. Always tell yourself you can do it, because deep down you can. Believe and never quit!”

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